The 2006 grape season was very much different for at
least one of the best known table grape businesses in
South Africa’s Orange River region. A new partnership
between Peu Bezuidenhout of Naftali/Monte Estate and
his workers, launched before the start of the season,
means that 65 workers now own 25% of the newly established
Rekopane Estate which incorporates all the assets and
activities of Naftali/Monte Estate.
The historic partnership is the latest land transformation
project which is backed by the Department of Land Affairs
through its ELRAD funds. The new partnership, which
also includes financial backing from Standard Bank in
a form of a loan, was celebrated at Rekopane Estates
today.

The worker shareholders are all members of the newly
formed Lorethabetse Trust. The word Lorethabetse is
Tswana and means “the sun has risen for us.”
Rekopane is also a Tswane word and means “we have
come together.”

Located on the banks of the mighty Orange River near
Kanoneiland, west of Upington, Naftali/Monte Estates,
and its owners, have become amongst South Africa’s
best known seedless grape growers. As the Biblical meaning
of the word Naftali indicates, Peu Bezuidenthout and
his workers really “fought and have conquered”
the harsh climate of this desert-like region with true
pioneering spirit to build Nafatli/Monte from a mere
six hectares back in 1979 to 528 hectares of land. Of
this 212 hectares are planted with table grapes which
is exported to markets around the world.